How Do Rats Go Underground?
WouterRats live in a network of underground tunnels, which varies in size. Because rats live in such large numbers, their tunnels may be very large and overlapping. However, in some areas, rats live in a single burrow. Regardless, the network is broad and presents a host of problems. Rat burrows are typically about half a meter in diameter. Their burrows are usually surrounded by dense vegetation. The entrance and exit are usually strewn with dirt and debris. Some burrows may have two entrances and two exits.
Many rats burrow in overgrown areas, beneath trash and woodpiles, or alongside foundations. Burrows of Norway rats are often found underneath homes. Regardless of where they live, you should take steps to keep them from damaging your home. In particular, you should keep your plants and weeds trimmed so that they can’t reach your walls.
You can tell if a rat has burrowed into your yard by looking for a hole. These holes are usually around two to four inches in diameter and a few inches deep. If you find one of these holes, you can be reasonably certain that rats are living in them. If you find an active hole, it’s probably due to the presence of rat feces and urine. The smell of rat feces is quite strong. If you notice an active rat in the area, you can stuff newspaper into the hole and wait a day or two for the rodent to clear the entrance.
Besides trapping the rats, you can also use chemicals to deter them. You can use steel wool to keep them from using the area. For large areas, you can use concrete or mortar, or use wire mesh. These materials can also deter rats from entering pipes.
